Together, we can deliver.
Since 1973, Meals on Wheels LaPorte County has delivered more than a meal — we deliver independence, dignity, and connection to homebound neighbors.
53 years of showing up.
It started in 1972 in a church basement on East 8th Street, when a small group of LaPorte County volunteers began driving hot lunches to a handful of homebound neighbors. There was no kitchen of our own “” just borrowed counter space, a few coolers, and the conviction that nobody should have to choose between groceries and rent.
It started in 1972 in a church basement on East 8th Street, when a small group of LaPorte County volunteers began driving hot lunches to a handful of homebound neighbors. There was no kitchen of our own “” just borrowed counter space, a few coolers, and the conviction that nobody should have to choose between groceries and rent.
1972
Founded in a LaPorte church basement
1985
Opened our own commercial kitchen
2010
Expanded countywide with 5 routes
2026
100,000+ meals · 450 clients · 175+ volunteers
Four values on every route
Every meal, every visit, every wellness check is shaped by these four ideas.
Compassion
We meet every neighbor where they are “” with patience, warmth, and the time it takes to listen.
Community
This is LaPorte County’s program. Local volunteers, local food, local donors “” every dollar stays here.
Dignity
Independence at home is not a luxury. We protect it for every client, regardless of income.
Reliability
Lake-effect snow, holidays, hard winters. The friendly face at the door arrives anyway.
The people behind every meal
A small staff and a board of community volunteers “” all in LaPorte County.
Sarah Mitchell
Executive Director
Leading MOW LaPorte since 2018. Former public health director for LaPorte County.
Jennifer Walsh
Operations Manager
Routes, logistics, and the volunteer scheduling miracle that happens every week.
David Patterson
Volunteer Coordinator
Recruits, trains, and supports our 120 active drivers and packers.
Maria Sanchez
Kitchen Lead
Plans every menu and runs the kitchen that turns out 200+ meals before noon.
William Brooks
Board Chair
Retired LaPorte County physician. Joined the board in 2014.
Linda Chen
Board Member
CPA and longtime Michigan City resident. Chairs our finance committee.
Stronger together
Northern Indiana Community Foundation
AARP Indiana
Franciscan Health Michigan City
La Porte Hospital
Rotary Club of LaPorte
Interested in Serving on Our Board?
We are always looking for dedicated community members to help guide our mission.
Help us deliver another 100,000 meals.
Your gift today funds tomorrow’s deliveries. Every dollar stays local, feeding homebound neighbors across LaPorte County.
$8
One meal
$40
A week of meals
$2,000
A year for one neighbor